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A delegation from the Nigerian Army, led by Major General Kamal Yusuf, announced on Tuesday that President Bola Tinubu has ordered a state burial for the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The announcement was made during a condolence visit to the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, at his palace in Osun State.
During the visit, Yusuf, who was a classmate of the late Lagbaja at the Nigerian Defence Academy, reminisced about their early days together, recalling how they travelled by train from Osogbo to Kaduna to begin their military journey.
He described Lagbaja as a dedicated officer who led from the front, noting that the late General’s commitment to duty earned him steady promotions throughout his career, culminating in his appointment as Chief of Army Staff.
“Our visit here is to express our condolences and inform you of the burial plans. President Tinubu has directed that Lieutenant General Lagbaja be given a state burial, which means he will be laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, where national heroes are honoured,” Yusuf said.
He added that arrangements have been made to ensure that family members who wish to attend the burial would be accommodated.
Delivering a condolence letter from the Nigerian Army to Oba Olaniyan, Yusuf expressed the hope that such tragic incidents would not occur again.
“Lagbaja was a gallant and pragmatic officer, a true combatant, which is why President Tinubu trusted him with the role of Chief of Army Staff,” he said.
Earlier, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, received the Army delegation at the Osun Government Secretariat in Abere.
Commending Tinubu’s decision for a state burial, Adeleke described Lagbaja as “a bright star of Osun and Nigeria dimmed too early.”
He praised the Army’s assurance that community projects initiated by the late General in Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin Osun would be completed.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said, “I thank Mr. President for approving a state burial for our late brother. We also appreciate the Army’s commitment to completing the community projects initiated by General Lagbaja. We will continue to support these efforts.”